My Policies Are Not To Punish Nigerians – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that all the policies of his administration “are designed to bring succour to Nigerians.”

Jonathan said this, Friday, in Abuja, while receiving a 40-man delegation of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) led by their President Musa Isiwele who paid him a courtesy visit.

He gave kudos to the association for accepting the automobile policy, which may finally put a stop to the importation of used vehicles and encourage local production, stating that such a policy will bring succor to Nigerians.

“You are the most important body. I’m pleased with your position; we cannot come up with a policy that will punish Nigerians, else I will abort it immediately,” Jonathan said.

According to him, Nigeria currently spends about $4 billion on the importation of vehicles annually, adding that more jobs would be created if the vehicles are assembled or manufactured locally,

He stressed that the greatness of the country was not in the abundance of its oil, but in its diversity and “this must be exploited to the maximum to develop the country.”

Jonathan then thanked the RTEAN members for the role played during the 2011 elections, adding that that any attempt to be the union’s enemy was suicidal.

The association presented a centenary card to the President and decorated him with the title of Great Grand Patron of RTEAN.

Speaking during thee visit, the RTEAN chairman said RTEAN was fully in support of the automotive policy. He added that his members had resolved to partner with the FG to create 1.5 million jobs nationwide for young people within the next one year.

He said already, the association had flagged off a special mass transit scheme of 4,000 units of exotic brands of taxis and commercial buses/vehicles as part of efforts to support the efforts to achieve safe, comfortable and effective road transport service delivery.

The President directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to incorporate the union in all the programmes of the centenary celebration, and encouraged them to be part of the upcoming national dialogue.

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